Keep Your Baby Safe the Ultimate Safety Guide for Your Baby

Safety is one of the main concerns of any parent. Babies and young children are vulnerable to slips and fall, germs and toxins and the only way to protect them from these health and safety risks would be to follow safety guidelines designed specifically for the protection of young children. BabyMomHQ offers tips on keeping your baby safe- in the toy, the car, the home and everywhere

Do you need to baby proof your home?

If you are having a baby or already have one, you know that a typical home is not the safest place for a baby. Numerous hazards abound in a typical adult home, such as sharp corners on tables, cabinet doors, chairs, windows and the like. Exposed power outlets, slippery floors, toxic plants, and chemicals are not safe for any baby or small child. Since it is impossible for any parent to keep an eye on a baby at all hours of the day, keeping all surfaces safe for a baby or small child is one of the most important things a parent can do in the home.

The Ultimate Baby Safe Guide

Travel Safety

Parents who love to travel are surely going to travel with their babies. The safety issue starts from the beginning. Only a stroller is the most useful gear for the safety of your baby during travel. Those who have more than one baby, a double stroller is perfect for them. It carries both of them safely which is very comfortable for parents also.

Food Safety

The most important thing that parents and caregivers can do to promote food safety would observe proper hand washing. Hands can pick up harmful bacteria from household surfaces, pets, raw food, the soil and even diapers. Experts recommend that parents and caregivers always wash their hands before and after handling baby food and any baby items, like clothing, pacifiers or baby bottles. Product packaging should be checked for expiry dates, strange odors or appearances. Double dipping of baby food, sharing of utensils and the like should be avoided to prevent contamination.

Toy Safety

Toy safety includes making sure that the toy is suited for the baby’s age. It is important to look at safety labels, such as “Flame Resistant’ or ‘Flame Retardant.’ Parents must remove plastic wrappings once toys have been unwrapped. Toys with small, removable parts should be avoided since these are potential choking hazards. Toys with rope, ribbons and the like should not be placed in playpens and cribs. Babies can tug on these and be entangled which can lead to injury and death. Parents must supervise their children when playing with any toy, both during indoor and outdoor playtimes.

Sleep Safety

Babies can still be at risk when they are asleep. The number of SIDS cases and other related deaths are proof that sleep safety is one of the most important things parents must so to ensure their safety. Parents should start by using a firm sleep surface paired with a tight-fitting mattress and sheet. Nothing should be on the bed with the baby. For the first six months, the baby should sleep in the parents’ room to make it easier on the parents to feed and watch over the baby. Experts also recommend avoiding drop-side cribs since the top side can drop down accidentally and in the baby down, which can cause suffocation and trauma. Keep hanging mobiles away from arm’s reach of a baby who has learned how to stand and walk to avoid entanglements and choking on small mobile parts.

Experts recommend that parents avoid bed-sharing if the baby is younger than 4 months old, if born premature or with low birth weight, if one or both of the parents is a smoker, the bed surface is not firm, and there are soft bedding like pillows and thick blankets on the bed since these can suffocate small children.

House Safety

Baby proofing the house should be done a few days before the baby arrives. This includes installing safety latches on the drawers and cabinets, keeping sharp utensils, cleaning products, and similar items in a locked storage space. When cooking, use the back burners and position the pot handles inward to make them difficult to reach.

Do not leave standing water in the tub, the sink or even in the dog’s food bowl. Never leave the child unattended in the tub. If you must leave the room, wrap him or her in a towel and take him or her out with you. Non-slip mats, lid locks on the toilets and safety latches on the doors of cabinets must be installed. Baby-proof sharp corners and edges of tables and other furniture to prevent accidental bumps and injuries. It is also important to keep electronic devices hidden or away from arm’s reach.

Car Safety

Experts recommend always using a federally approved car safety seat that has been properly installed. This ensures proper protection for the head and neck. For the first two years or until the child exceeds the height or weight limit of the car seat, the seats should face the rear of the vehicle. Studies have shown that children under age 2 are less likely to suffer from head and neck injuries because the seat does a better job of protecting the head, spine, and neck during a collision. Other studies show that rear facing seats are five times safer than forward facing seats. Parents are advised to never place the infant on the lap while riding the car. Also, they should never place the baby in the front passenger seat

Fire Safety

install fire detectors and smoke detectors in all rooms in the house, including the baby’s room. These detectors should be tested monthly and batteries must be changed twice a year. Have a fire extinguisher and place it where it is easily accessed for emergencies. Place lighters and matches in a secure storage container out of the reach of a small toddler or child.

First Aid

Pediatric first aid can be a lifesaving skill that can come in handy when medical personnel is not immediately available to respond to emergencies. Parents are advised to take these classes together to ensure that they can perform the needed first aid during an emergency. You can take an infant CPR class or install an infant first aid app on your phone.

Dangers lurk in every corner in a typical household. However, parents can ensure the baby’s safety by taking the first steps to childproofing the home. By providing a safe home environment free from health and safety risks, the baby is protected from any preventable accidents, injuries, and illness.

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